Affordable Bourbons and Ryes for Beginners

[Sijan]

Below are my recommendations for beginners who are just getting into bourbon and don't want to blow a ton of money right away. Most of them should be pretty widely available. Prices vary nationwide, but most should generally be $20-25ish or less.

These are all high quality bourbons - some rated very highly by veteran members of this site - that are also great values. I can't guarantee you'll like all of them, but I think they will allow you to see the different styles of several different bourbon distilleries.

I have also included a rye whiskey recommendation for four of the five distilleries.

Buffalo Trace
W.L. Weller 7 year old 107 proof
Buffalo Trace
W.L. Weller 12 year old
Eagle Rare Single Barrel*
Elmer T. Lee*
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old 90 proof* (my top recommendation on this list)
Sazerac Rye*

Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig 12 year old
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond* (100 proof)

Jim Beam
Jim Beam Black 8 year old*
Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond* (100 proof)
Jim Beam Rye

Old Forester
Old Forester 100 Proof/Signature*

Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey 101 proof*
Wild Turkey Rye


* denotes a personal favorite


Veterans, please feel free to add similar recommendations to this list.

[Sijan]

Here are a few additional bourbons that I would recommend that may not be widely available or have been discontinued (but may still be available in your area):

Barton
Very Old Barton 100 proof

Buffalo Trace
Ancient Ancient Age 10 year old (NOT 10 star)
Eagle Rare 101 proof
Old Charter 12 year old 90 Proof (aka The Classic 90)

Heaven Hill
Old Fitzgerald 1849 8 year old (this is still produced but with no age statement)
Evan Williams 1783 10 year old (this is still produced but with no age statement)

Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey Russell's Reserve 101 proof

[bongoman]

Thanks Sijan for that useful list.

As a newbie here and to bourbon in general, I find those suggestions very helpful.

[polyamnesia]

thanks for that list.

got to add another thumbs up for WT 101!

aching to try that RR 101...i know it's a goner, but hear there are still bottles out there. i thought the 90 was already STELLAR!

and yes to that Weller 107...what a bargain

[camduncan]

aching to try that RR 101...i know it's a goner, but hear there are still bottles out there

About 22 on the shelf at my local when I looked last week.
...but getting them to the US from Australia might be a tad expensive.

[polyamnesia]

About 22 on the shelf at my local when I looked last week.
...but getting them to the US from Australia might be a tad expensive.

22!?

there may be 22 plus a few more bottle of everything at MY local store!!!

anyways, i am sure i will get one sometime. it seems to be "out there" somewhat!

thanks cameron

p.s.

i know all about shipping from down under! i am always getting quite lightweight MATCHBOX diecast shipped to me and even THOSE are pricey when shipped here!

[NickAtMartinis]

Below are my recommendations for beginners who are just getting into bourbon and don't want to blow a ton of money right away. Most of them should be pretty widely available. Prices vary nationwide, but most should generally be $20-25ish or less.

These are all high quality bourbons - some rated very highly by veteran members of this site - that are also great values. I can't guarantee you'll like all of them, but I think they will allow you to see the different styles of several different bourbon distilleries.

I have also included a rye whiskey recommendation for four of the five distilleries.

Buffalo Trace
W.L. Weller 7 year old 107 proof
Buffalo Trace
W.L. Weller 12 year old
Eagle Rare Single Barrel*
Elmer T. Lee*
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 year old 90 proof* (my top recommendation on this list)
Sazerac Rye*

Heaven Hill
Elijah Craig 12 year old
Evan Williams Single Barrel
Rittenhouse Rye Bottled-in-Bond* (100 proof)

Jim Beam
Jim Beam Black 8 year old*
Old Grand-Dad Bottled-in-Bond* (100 proof)
Jim Beam Rye

Old Forester
Old Forester 100 Proof/Signature*

Wild Turkey
Wild Turkey 101 proof*
Wild Turkey Rye


* denotes a personal favorite


Veterans, please feel free to add similar recommendations to this list.

Great idea and job, Dan.

[MissingKY]

Nice list, Dan; I'll definitely cross some of those off my list soon.

Polyamnesia, I couldn't send you a PM, but if you're looking for RR 101 and you're near Philly, I saw some a few weeks ago in northern Delaware. Shoot me a PM and I'll give you more details. Same offer for anyone else who's interested.

[Ruby K]

Good list... would you add Knob Creek to it? I can still find it for 23, 24 a bottle and I enjoy it.

[Sijan]

Yes, if you can find Knob Creek in that price range, it would definitely have a spot on the list. Not everyone likes it, but some folks swear by it. It is not a personal favorite of mine, but I certainly have respect for it.